The Little Guide to Leaves by Tom Frost

Author:Tom Frost
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Quadrille Publishing
Published: 2017-07-17T04:00:00+00:00

Juniper

Juniperus communis

FAMILY NAME Cupressaceae

CHARACTERISTICS Aromatic, grey-green, needle-like leaves, around 1cm (⅜in) long, becoming scale-like when mature

HABITAT Dry, open, rocky hillsides, heaths, coastal areas

DISTRIBUTION Widely across Northern Hemisphere

FLOWERS AND FRUIT Dioecious; female flowers, once pollinated, turn into blue-black, berry-like cones

The Juniper is best known for its berries which were once used by ancient Egyptians to cure tapeworm infestations; the Romans made tinctures as a remedy for stomach complaints. The Celts would burn the wood for purification and to encourage psychic visions, and in Europe the same Juniper-scented smoke was used to cast out demons. Today, the berries are most famously used to flavour gin and are responsible for its distinctive taste. They’re also used in cooking to flavour sauces. Juniper trees provide food and shelter for wildlife species, such as black grouse, thrushes and many moths.

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